Don’t count the defending champions out.
National University pulled out all the stops in Game 1 to stun outright finalist University of Santo Tomas, 84-79, and move to the brink of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball championship on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After suffering heavy losses to the Growling Tigresses in their two elimination round meetings (62-76 and 85-105), the Lady Bulldogs displayed remarkable composure under pressure, handing UST its first defeat of the season.
NU will aim for its ninth title in 10 seasons in Game 2 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while UST fights to stay alive.
The Growling Tigresses had earned a direct ticket to the Finals by sweeping the elimination round. Meanwhile, NU, coming off a stepladder semifinal, overcame a six-point deficit late against Ateneo de Manila University to secure its spot in the championship series.
